Japan Airlines appoint Tottori Mitsuko as President

JAL Group has made a historic move by appointing Tottori Mitsuko as its first female President, a landmark decision in the aviation industry where leadership has been predominantly male. This appointment, effective from April 1, 2024, is a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion at the top echelons of the company.

Tottori Mitsuko, born on December 31, 1964, has had a distinguished career with the JAL Group since joining in April 1985. Her journey through the ranks is a testament to her dedication and leadership capabilities in a challenging industry. She began her tenure as the Manager of the 1st Cabin Attendant Department, gradually moving up to more significant roles. Her positions have included Senior Manager of the Cabin Safety Department, Senior Director of the 2nd Office Cabin Crew Affairs, and various Vice President roles in the Narita 1st Cabin Attendant Department and the Cabin Safety Department.

In recent years, Mitsuko has held the position of Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Cabin Attendants, followed by a role as the Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Cabin Attendants. Before her historic appointment as President, she was the Senior Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President for Customer Experience, also overseeing Brand Communication.

Mitsuko's elevation to the role of President is a milestone not just for JAL Group but for the entire aviation sector, where female leadership is still a rarity. Her extensive experience across different divisions of the company demonstrates her versatility and deep understanding of the aviation industry. This move by JAL Group is expected to inspire other companies in the sector to embrace more inclusive leadership practices.

As President, Mitsuko is set to lead JAL Group towards new horizons, focusing on enhancing flight safety, improving service quality, and boosting the company's value. Her leadership is anticipated to bring a unique perspective to the company's strategic goals, fostering growth and development within the JAL Group and the broader aviation industry. This historic appointment is a clear indicator of JAL Group's commitment to breaking barriers and championing gender equality in its leadership ranks.